It might be dubbed 'the race that stops a nation', but the Melbourne Cup failed to stop Victoria's election campaign with both major party leaders heading to regional Victoria.
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Premier Daniel Andrews was joined by wife Cath and sons Noah and Joseph on board his Labor campaign bus bound for Maroona, in the safe Nationals seat of Lowan in western Victoria, to announce an $11.2 million agriculture package.
Labor promised $1.2 million to expand certificate-three shearing courses for the public training system, to be established by 2020.
"While wool prices have been very good and wool exports in 2016/17 accounted for the best part of almost $2 billion in wool exports, we have a shortage of qualified shearers and it's one of those areas where government can step in and make a profound difference with training," he told reporters.
Tuesday's promises also included $6 million to upgrade student accommodation and facilities at Longerenong , Dookie and Glenormiston agricultural colleges; $500,000 for young farmer scholarships; $500,000 for digital agriculture practices; and $3 million to improve health and safety on farms.
"There is an absolutely heartbreaking statistic. Victorian farmers represent around three per cent of the state's workforce, they represent more than 50 per cent of workplace fatalities," Agriculture Minister Jaala Pulford said.
Mr Andrews also promised a parliamentary review of council rates for farms.
Liberal leader Matthew Guy also left the city along with wife Renae, their three sons and his parents, to campaign in West Gippsland.
He promised $2 million to relocate and rebuild the Drouin Ambulance Station.
"It's a small but very important announcement," Mr Guy said.
"Not only will West Gippsland get a new hospital but an ambulance station too."
He also pledged $2 million for an RSL building maintenance fund for non-gaming machine clubs and $2 million for Moe Activity Centre to revitalise the town.
Mr Guy confirmed Prime Minister Scott Morrison would join the Victorian campaign trail soon.
Mr Morrison is campaigning in Queensland, where there is no election but there are several seats at stake for the federal coalition.
Mr Andrews and Mr Guy ended their road trips by watching the Cup, the premier at the Noble Park RSL in his electorate of Mulgrave and the opposition leader at the Garfield Hotel.
Early voting opens on November 12, with a record number of people expected to complete their ballot papers before the November 24 polling day.
Australian Associated Press
